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Above A station wagon driving into a camp site just outside Brecon in Powys, Wales, towing a caravanCaravans and Motorhomes
Caravans and motorhomes (RVs) are
subject to the same rules of the road
as other vehicles. However, camper
vans or cars towing caravans are
restricted to speeds of 50 mph (80
kph) on regular roads and 60 mph (96
kph) on motorways. Many of Britain’s
back-country roads, particularly in
remote parts of Scotland, are narrow
and winding and not suitable for
caravans, motorhomes or towed
vehicles. Signs are often posted, but
they are easy to miss. Ask locally
about the conditions before setting
out on these roads. Narrow bridges,
sharp bends, and steep gradients can
be dangerous for large vehicles, so
pay attention to warning road signs.
If you are bringing your own
caravan to Britain, you must be sure
that your LPG gas has been turned off
correctly for the ferry crossing. With
Eurotunnel, the valves must be sealed
and your roof vents opened for safety.
You can also hire motorhomes and
touring caravans. Some, such as those
available from Just Go, come with
XBox 360, DVD/CD players and other
creature comforts. Motorhomes
Direct has a huge selection of luxury
models for hire nationwide, while
Cool Campervans caters for travellers
on a budget. There is a wide network
of camping and caravan parks. For
online directories try Camping and
Caravanning UK and UK Caravan
Parks and Campsites Directory.you hold a provisional licence; you
must have a full licence and an
insurance policy that allows you to do
so. Motorcycles must have rear
number plate lighting. Dipped
headlights during the day are not
required, but they are recommended
to make you more visible.
The rules of the road are the same
for motorcyclists as for other drivers,
though you should take additional
safety precautions. Go slow when
filtering or driving between traffic
lanes. Give other vehicles a wide berth
when overtaking them, and be aware
they might not always see you.rear seats in an estate car or other
vehicle unless a special child seat has
been fitted. Remember to request any
necessary child seats in advance when
making your car hire booking.Disabled Drivers
Drivers with disabilities should contact
Mobilise, a charity which promotes
mobility and represents the interests
of disabled drivers, for advice on
obtaining a UK blue badge for
disabled parking spaces or using their
Disabled Parking cards in the UK. If you
are bringing your own car through
Ireland first, you may be able to get a
discount from the ferry company on
some sailings. Contact your motoring
association (or the Disabled Drivers’
Association in Ireland) for a form.Driving with Children
Drivers must ensure that all children
under the age of 14 wear seat-belts or
sit in an approved child restraint, if
required. Older teenagers must wear
adult seat-belts. If a child is under
1.35 m (approximately 4 ft 5 in) tall, a
baby seat, child seat, booster seat or
booster cushion suitable for the child’s
height and weight must be used. The
correct child restraint must be used in
both the front and back seats. Babies
must never be placed in a rear-facing
child seat in the passenger seat if there
is an active airbag fitted, as it can cause
serious injury or death to the child in a
crash. Children must not sit behind theBACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN
Car Hire
Most of the big international car hire
companies, such as Budget, Avis and
Hertz, have locations at airports and
ferry ports and in all the larger cities,
and offer a wide range of vehicles. A
good local firm with offices in Scotland
and Northern England is Arnold
Clark Car and Van Rental. To rent a
car you will need a valid driving
licence and a credit card. Normally,
drivers must be between the ages of
21 or 23 and 75, but check beforeMotorbikes
All motorcyclists and passengers
must wear protective helmets.
Drivers must have a valid driving
licence to cover a motorcycle or
moped and an insurance policy.
You may not carry a passenger if